The Positive Effects of NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback on Depression and Anxiety

The
positive effects of neurofeedback on depression and anxiety can make
a difference in people’s lives. A number of studies concerning the
benefits have been completed over the years. The results have varied,
possibly due to the type of neurofeedback training used in the study.
Neurofeedback involves training (or retraining) the brain to respond
differently to different kinds of stimuli. There is no standardized
training protocol. An approach developed by Dr. Sue Brown -
NeurOptimal® - seems quite effective for depression, anxiety,
affective disorders and even post-traumatic stress disorder. All
forms of neurofeedback are types of biofeedback. The feedback is
created by using sensors to measure brain waves and brain activity. A
recent study was conducted in Canada by Drs. Linda Beckett and Janet
McCulloch of the Kingston Institute of Psychotherapy and
Neurofeedback. These physicians and their staff train over 350 people
per week in the Kingston Clinic. The Beck Inventory was used in the
study to gauge the positive effects of neurofeedback on depression
and anxiety. The Beck Inventory consists of 21 groups of scored
statements relating to depression and 21 groups related to anxiety.
Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. The study participants
completed the inventory before training and again after 8 sessions.
The average Beck depression inventory score went from just over 32 to
less than 23 after 8 sessions. The average anxiety score went from 31
to 21 in the same amount of time. There were over 400 men and women
of all ages participating in the study. The positive effects of
neurofeedback on depression and anxiety have been compared to the
benefits of anti-depressant drugs and cognitive behavior therapy. The
doctors feel confident that the benefits are comparable. The training
program may be just as effective as drugs or traditional forms of
therapy. In some cases, the program may be more effective. It
certainly presents a good option for people who prefer to avoid the
drugs. Depressed or anxious feelings can interfere with people’s
daily lives. The symptoms may make it impossible to enjoy activities
or relationships. The positive effects of neurofeedback on depression
and anxiety can help people enjoy life more. That’s the difference
that the training program can make in a person’s life.

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